School Board member charged in Clemson vandalism not stepping down

Published: Monday, August 19, 2013 at 9:50 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, August 19, 2013 at 9:50 p.m.

Transylvania County School Board member Michael Rogers announced at Monday’s board meeting that he has no intention of stepping down after being charged with felony counts of obstructing justice and conspiracy.

The charges were filed in connection with an incident involving his son, Micah Rogers, who has been accused of damaging Howard’s Rock at Clemson University in early June.

At the start of the meeting, Chairwoman Tawny McCoy said the board has no legal authority to remove a board member accused of a crime.

Calling the recent arrest of Michael Rogers “very unfortunate,” McCoy added that “an arrest does not prove or establish guilt.”

Clemson University police arrested and charged Rogers, 46, of Pisgah Forest, and Alden J. Gainey, 17, of Brevard last week. Rogers later issued a statement saying he had done nothing more than attempt to seek the truth about the vandalism and his son.

“My determination to find the truth has resulted in me being charged with a crime that I absolutely did not commit,” he wrote. “Unfortunately my role in trying to find the truth has led to these allegations.”

The warrant charging Michael Rogers, a pastor at Dunn’s Creek Baptist Church, with obstructing justice said that on or about June 24 he met with “individuals allegedly involved in the malicious damage to Howard’s Rock” and advised them “to be untruthful about their actions when questioned by law enforcement. This intentional act did obstruct, impede and hinder the administration of justice,” according to the warrant.

“Witness statements disputing the defendant’s official statement were provided to law enforcement,” the warrant says.

Another warrant charges Michael Rogers with criminal conspiracy, saying he conspired with the vandalism suspects “to accomplish an unlawful objective. The defendant planned with Alden J. Gainey and others to provide false information when questioned by law enforcement in furtherance of the conspiracy.”

Warrants filed against 17-year-old Alden James Gainey of Brevard also charge him with one count each of obstructing justice and criminal conspiracy, saying that he provided “false statements to law enforcement when questioned about his involvement” in the vandalism.

Police say the rock was damaged on the night of June 2 when its protective casing was destroyed and a portion of the rock was chipped away. The incident was partially captured by a video surveillance camera, according to the Clemson University Police Department.

Micah Rogers was arrested and charged June 28 with malicious injury to personal property valued at more than $2,000 but less than $10,000; trespassing; and unlawful entry into enclosed spaces.

Prior to the school board meeting, Transylvania County Superintendent Jeff McDaris said Rogers “has been a longtime, strong advocate for Transylvania County schools and our children. I’m aware of the charges that have been brought, but I don’t know any of the specific details. He’s been a great board member and certainly has been trying to work through this. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to him and his family with regard to this.”

<p>Transylvania County School Board member Michael Rogers announced at Monday's board meeting that he has no intention of stepping down after being charged with felony counts of obstructing justice and conspiracy.</p><p>The charges were filed in connection with an incident involving his son, Micah Rogers, who has been accused of damaging Howard's Rock at Clemson University in early June.</p><p>At the start of the meeting, Chairwoman Tawny McCoy said the board has no legal authority to remove a board member accused of a crime.</p><p>Calling the recent arrest of Michael Rogers “very unfortunate,” McCoy added that “an arrest does not prove or establish guilt.”</p><p>Clemson University police arrested and charged Rogers, 46, of Pisgah Forest, and Alden J. Gainey, 17, of Brevard last week. Rogers later issued a statement saying he had done nothing more than attempt to seek the truth about the vandalism and his son. </p><p>“My determination to find the truth has resulted in me being charged with a crime that I absolutely did not commit,” he wrote. “Unfortunately my role in trying to find the truth has led to these allegations.” </p><p>The warrant charging Michael Rogers, a pastor at Dunn's Creek Baptist Church, with obstructing justice said that on or about June 24 he met with “individuals allegedly involved in the malicious damage to Howard's Rock” and advised them “to be untruthful about their actions when questioned by law enforcement. This intentional act did obstruct, impede and hinder the administration of justice,” according to the warrant. </p><p>“Witness statements disputing the defendant's official statement were provided to law enforcement,” the warrant says. </p><p>Another warrant charges Michael Rogers with criminal conspiracy, saying he conspired with the vandalism suspects “to accomplish an unlawful objective. The defendant planned with Alden J. Gainey and others to provide false information when questioned by law enforcement in furtherance of the conspiracy.” </p><p>Warrants filed against 17-year-old Alden James Gainey of Brevard also charge him with one count each of obstructing justice and criminal conspiracy, saying that he provided “false statements to law enforcement when questioned about his involvement” in the vandalism.</p><p>Police say the rock was damaged on the night of June 2 when its protective casing was destroyed and a portion of the rock was chipped away. The incident was partially captured by a video surveillance camera, according to the Clemson University Police Department.</p><p>Micah Rogers was arrested and charged June 28 with malicious injury to personal property valued at more than $2,000 but less than $10,000; trespassing; and unlawful entry into enclosed spaces.</p><p>Prior to the school board meeting, Transylvania County Superintendent Jeff McDaris said Rogers “has been a longtime, strong advocate for Transylvania County schools and our children. I'm aware of the charges that have been brought, but I don't know any of the specific details. He's been a great board member and certainly has been trying to work through this. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to him and his family with regard to this.”</p>